Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 132 | Saturday, September 12, 2020

CLIMATE CHANGE JEOPARDIZES FOOD PRODUCTION AGRITRENDS P9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

COLLABORATION, PARTICIPATION

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

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Sara shares city’s efforts in its fight against Covid-19 to AsiaPac women leaders STORY ON PAGE 2

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay makes a final inspection of the handwashing facility and other items that will be used to ensure standard health protocols will be strictly followed at the Roxas Night Market which is slated to reopen tonight, September 12.

Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

COLLABORATION, PARTICIPATION Sara shares city’s efforts in its fight against Covid-19 to Asia-Pac women leaders

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio shared the city government of Davao’s efforts in fighting Covid-19 pandemic to women leaders in the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) regional webinar on “Women: Leading in the New Future.”

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As a woman leader at the forefront in the fight against the virus, she shared insights about the role of the local government, the private sector, the public, and the local government’s relationships with foreign governments, in facing the impacts of the pandemic.

“There is probably nothing unique in our approach to curve or limit the spread of the virus as compared to the ones being implemented by other cities around the world, however, I would like to bring to your attention the fact that the success of the city is underlined by the collaboration and partnerships and cooperation established between the Davao City local government, the private sector even foreign countries and the people of Davao,” Mayor Sara said.

The presidential daughter, who was one of

the presenters of the webinar, acknowledged the strong ties that the local government of Davao has secured with various organizations before and during the pandemic.

“At the onset I was aware that the crisis demands an effective and efficient response from people with expertise, experience and knowledge of deadly diseases. I immediately reached out to the davao City-based epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist both from the government and private health institutions, since day one in our fight against Covid-19 they worked with us and guided the LGU in setting policies and protocols designed to slow down and hopefully stop the spread of the infection,” she said.

Mayor Sara emphasized the importance of wearing face mask, par-

ticularly in public places, to contain the spread of Covid-19. She has personally campaigned the use of face mask largely intended to protect the people against the spread of infection. In fact, she was never seen out in public without a mask on.

“Simply because I believe that the best way to influence others especially those who look up to you is by showing example. While there are still questions about the role wearing face mask in reducing the transmission of the virus, Davao City already imposed its mandatory use whenever people are in public places,” she said.

The doctors also designed washable and reusable face masks that have been distributed to those who could not afford commercially-sold face mask.

The other components of the city’s active campaign, particularly during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), is for the people to stay home except for essential movements and to strictly observe two meter distance from each other and the frequent washing of hands with soap and water or the use

of alcohol.

“The wearing of face mask, staying home, social distancing and frequent handwashing are the four minimum health practices we relentlessly ask from the public to follow. Our guidelines are based on the recommendations of our health consultants,” the mayor shared.

Mayor Sara is referring to the guidelines that include limiting of mass gatherings of people such as special events because the spread of the virus can happen in areas with the large volume of people.

“The warning was clear, you will likely get infected if you go to places where people gather or meet,” she said.

The mayor also cited the community lockdowns implemented in the city.

Community lockdown is where people are prevented to move in and out of their communities if there is a large alarming number of Covid-19 cases.

“We know this affects people’s jobs and livelihood but this is also coupled with immediate food assistance and other social interventions to affected residents. I was aware that there is resistance to these

gram aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio, a radio station owned by the city government of Davao.

Everyday on air I used the platform to explain the decisions, measures and policies that we were implementing.

“As I look back I would say that Davao City was one step ahead of the other cities in responding to the crisis. I believe that when we are bombarded by confusion and fear and waves and waves of misinformation we have to keep our heads up, keep our focus nad listen to voices that matter and so even before the national government was able to cascade down to the local government its national action plan against Covid-19,” she said.

Mayor Sara boasted that Davao City has already achieved many successes in the efforts of prevention, contact tracing, isolation, treatment and re-integration of people recovering from the virus.

“We even added in our response the cremation system knowing that Covid-19 deaths would be another difficult challenge to confront of the concerned families,” she said.

ernment wants to have hotels, commercial spaces, park and a playground within the property.

The Magsaysay rehabilitation project was one of the two proposals submitted by the local government to the Board of Investments to be showcased in the Philippine booth during the China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen from Sept. 8 to 11.

The other proposal was the development of the 20-hectare property owned by the National Development Company in Toril, Davao City, he said.

Magsaysay Park was originally eyed as the site for the first of the six-phase sewerage treatment park project under the Infrastructure Modernization for Davao City (IM4Davao).

The IM4Davao is a 27year Infrastructure Modernization Plan containing proposed short, medium and long-term high priority projects with an estimated cost of P298.4 billion. It includes six sewerage treatment parks being planned in different areas of the city.

According to the JICA-funded plan, the wa-

ters in the city’s rivers and beaches are heavily contaminated with fecal coliform and the urgent tool to address it is septage service while the ultimate solution is sewerage service.

The proposed shortterm projects under IM4Davao include installation and operation of septage plants and preparation for the sewerage system project, including the designation of an implementing body with necessary capacity building, sewerage system master plan, feasibility study for Area A sewerage system, basic and detailed design, tender preparation for Area A sewerage system, and land acquisition for Area A sewerage treatment plant.

It also proposed midterm projects, from 2023 to 2030, such as the construction and operation of sewerage system, preparation and construction of Area B and Area C sewerage systems, and preparation of Area D sewerage systems.

The long-term projects, from 2031 to 2045, are the construction and operation of the rest of the sewerage systems. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

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Rehab of Magsaysay Park opened to Chinese investors

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A city government of Davao employee conducts repainting works for the Roxas Night Market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on Friday. The Roxas Night Market is set to reopen today, September 12. Edge Davao

policies and protocols, but there was no way that we should back down. We must enforced and we did,” she said.

Mayor Sara also discussed the importance of rewarding communities for registering the lowest number of cases such as the “Cluster Wars”. She mentioned the communities in the upland areas or hard to reach areas inhabited by the local tribes of Indigenous Peoples (IP).

The mayor also tapped other organizations to get involve in the city’s efforts including the local LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, intersex) community in the food distribution activities.

“It was a responsibility that highlighted how the members of the sector could organize themselves and work to ease the condition of the sector affected by the crisis,” she said.

The city government also partnered with the farmers in addressing pressing needs and at the same time providing them economic empowerment.

As a way to engage the public, the city has opened a line of communication and launched a daily pro-

he city government has opened the rehabilitation of the two-hectare Magsaysay Park to Chinese investors.

During a virtual press conference, Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit of the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) said the local government welcomes any Chinese investor who wants to develop the park or tie up with the city through a public-private partnership.

The decades-old park, which has a skating rink and an amphitheater, was a popular destination for local tourists in its heyday back in the 1990s.

It currently houses the Kadayawan Cultural Village and field offices of the Commission on Elections, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and DCIPC. “We plan to develop it into commercial and tourism hub, and we are open to Chinese investors or another alternative is, we are open to PPP, where the Chinese will partner with the local government,” Cambaya said.

He added the local gov-

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

A representative of the office of 1st District of Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte distributes food packs to the fishermen in Purok 8, Barangay 76-A Bucana. Contributed photo

PRRD unlikely to issue EO on satellite technology use

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resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not likely to issue an executive order (EO) which will allow internet service providers to set up networks using satellite technology, Malacañang said Thursday.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the call of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for Duterte to issue an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization to improve the country’s connectivity would need further study.

“Kinakailangan po nang mas malawakang pag-aaral diyan dahil alam naman natin ang paggamit ng ere ay (That requires extensive review because we know that the use of airwaves is) subject to the grant of a franchise issued by Congress,” he said.

Roque explained that signing the EO could infringe on the Congress’ power to grant franchises.

“Sa tingin ko po parang malabo pong magawa ng Presidente iyan (I think it is unlikely that the President will do that) through an Executive Order because he will be possibly infringing on the powers of Congress but we need to study the matter in more details,” he added.

PCCI President, Amb. Benedicto Yujuico earlier said signing an EO on Satellite Access Liberalization is the fastest way to allow internet services providers to build their network using satellite technology for internet connectivity.

He said the proposed EO may take effect while bills to improve connectivity are

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Rep. Duterte’s office distributes 1,200 food packs to fisherfolks

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bout 1,200 fisherfolks received food packs from the Office of the First District on September 10, Thursday afternoon, at the seaside of Purok 8, Barangay 76-A Bucana of this city.

Representative Paolo Duterte’s office distributed the food packs containing three kilos of rice, six canned goods and three noodles to fisherfolks who were also affected by the global crisis.

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began to spread across the globe, several Filipinos

were having difficulty in coping with the challenges and changes, among them are the fisherfolks.

Duterte’s office said that the beneficiaries were residents of the first district and are members of the fisherfolks associations in the above-mentioned barangay.

The fisherfolks associations are namely: Aroma, Riverside, Purok Pasil, Purok 22A, Badjao, Kisada, Seaside, Dapsa 1 and Dapsa 2, Muslim-Christian, Bucana sa Kalambuan, and Bolton Riverside.

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Sara: visit cemeteries before or after Nov 1

By MAYA M. PADILLO ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has advised Dabawenyos to visit cemeteries before or after November 1 to avoid crowding as the city continues to enforce prohibition against mass gatherings.

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“Wala ta kabalo sa atong quarantine status on November, although, easy lang to implement kung i-sarado pero pinaka-maayo sa karon pa lang mubisita na sila sa ilahang loved ones nga naa sa sementeryo on October 31, November 1 and

2 dili nata makig-mass gathering didto sa ilaha sa mubisita. Karon pa lang mubisita na ta daan especially katong naay gagmay bata nga dad-on sa sementeryo ilahang mga lolo, lola, and also the vulnerable sector nga mubista sa ilang bana, asawa ug ig-

soon nga namatay,” Mayor Sara said.

The city government of Davao is still awaiting quarantine status and the policy to close or not the cemeteries during ‘Undas” will depend on the quarantine status of the city to be announced in November this year.

The mayor said the city will open Roxas Night Market on September 12, 2020 and will discuss the lifting of the liquor ban.

The reopening of the Roxas Night Market will be prioritized as a number of

vendors have been affected after its closure in April 2020.

As part of the preparation of its reopening, all vendors, masseuse and masseurs will undergo a baseline swabbing before entering to ensure that no Covid-19 positive individual can enter the Roxas Night Market.

The vendors will be swabbed every two weeks.

There are about 500 vendors in Roxas Night Market, however, Mayor Sara said only 25 percent will be allowed to return.

Alleged leader of Islamic State-inspired local terror group, brother slain in SoCot

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n alleged leader of an Islamic State-inspired local terror group and his brother were killed in a joint military and police operation in Surallah, South Cotabato, officials confirmed Thursday.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said that Jeoffrey Nilong, alyas Momoy, leader of Dawlah Islamiyah – Soccsksargen, and his younger brother, Amen Nilong, were killed

Wednesday morning after eluding a checkpoint established in Barangay Lamsugod following an intelligence report of the duo’s movement.

Amen was also a member of the local terror group, he added.

While police and military operatives pursued them, the suspects fired at the troops, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that killed them, Siason said.

Jeoffrey allegedly masterminded the 2018

bombing in General Santos that left eight people wounded and was also purportedly involved in robbery, extortion and kidnapping, the official said.

Siason said the Nilong Group is a remnant of Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, whose leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias Commander Tokboy,” was killed in Kiamba, Sarangani province in 2017.

Jeoffrey, the most

wanted person in South Cotabato, was also allegedly involved in one of the bombings in Davao City, Siason said.

Since last year, the official said that authorities have been hot on the trail of Jeoffrey, who was considered a “high value target.”

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central commander, said that the Nilong Group was also responsible for the series

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

Workers trim the trees along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on Friday in preparation for the reopening of Roxas Night Market slated on September 12. Edge Davao

Davao expands tax, non-fiscal incentives ABS-CBN's frequencies, channels recalled by NTC for foreign, domestic investors: DCIPC

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he local government has expanded its tax holidays and improved non-fiscal incentives for foreign and domestic investors to drive up investments in the city, an official of the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) said.

During a virtual press conference, Christian Cambaya, head of the Investor Assistance and Servicing Unit of the DCIPC, said the new Davao City Investment Code allows the Davao City Investment Incentive Board to grant exemptions from business tax for three years, real property tax for two years, and mayor’s permit fees, licenses and charges for three years to new investors.

The board may grant a maximum additional oneyear incentive for business

tax and/or real property tax, to a registered enterprise that has direct positive impact on the promotion of activities listed in the 10 preferred investment areas and use of indigenous raw materials and/or will employ indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.

The 10 preferred investment areas are agri-business, tourism, light manufacturing, property development, health, education, technology, eco-industry, infrastruc-

ture and inclusive business activities.

Cambaya said the local government will release the Code’s implementing rules and regulations next month.

Under the revised Code, he added that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could avail of longer tax holidays under the expanded incentive program, which was previously offered only to big companies.

“Before, micro and small businesses cannot apply for incentives because of capital requirement. We took it out. If your business falls in any of the 10 preferred investment areas, you can qualify for tax incentives offered by the government,” he said.

The Code provides that MSMEs doing business activities in investment ar-

eas could enjoy exemption from business tax for five years, real property tax for two years, and mayor’s permit fees, and licenses and charges, excluding building permit fees, for three years.

Non-fiscal incentives include express/priority lane for processing mayor’s permit and other local permits, assistance in securing special operating local permits and licenses, assistance in site the selection and negotiation for right of way, priority access to financial and technical assistance programs of the city government and other government agencies, and least priority in audit/tax assessment by the city.

DCIPC head April Marie Dayap, a former city councilor, said they are constantly communicating with prospective investors

and online payments have driven transaction volumes up in the past few months, it said.

“When the community quarantine was imposed earlier this year, we at GCash saw an exponential increase in the number of transactions. Our P1 trillion forecast by the end of the year goes to show how relevant our services have been in helping Filipinos amidst the pandemic,” GCash president Martha Sazon said.

“Under the new normal, digital payment services have helped keep the economy going. From something borne out of convenience, mobile wallets like GCash are now a necessity to thrive under the digital economy, whether you’re a customer or a merchant,” Sazon said.

Online services and fintech can also help "flatten the curve" by encouraging people to stay at home and do their tasks remotely, she said.

Health experts worldwide have encouraged the use of contactless and cashless payments as opposed to handling cash to lessen the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

GCash said it has about 86,000 partner merchants, and users can transfer money to over 40 banks.

The platform has all-mobile savings, investments and recently insurance features that consumers can access using just their devices.

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GCash expects P1 trillion in transactions by year-end

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obile wallet provider GCash said Thursday it expects to handle at least P1 trillion in transactions by the end of the year as the COVID-19 pandemic alters consumer and financial behaviors.

Safety protocols and limited mobility meant to curb the spread of the disease have "changed" how financial transactions are done, GCash said in a statement.

Savings, cash-in, fund transfers, bank transfers

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he National Telecommunications Commission on Thursday recalled the frequencies assigned to ABS-CBN, which it said was “warranted” in the absence of a legislative franchise.

"The denial of respondent's franchise renewal application by Congress, coupled with the denial of respondent's petition by the Supreme Court, lead to no other conclusion except that respondent had already lost the privilege of installing, operating, and maintaining radio broadcasting stations in the country," the NTC said in a decision released to the media Thursday.

"Consequentially, absent a valid legislative franchise, the recall of the frequencies assigned to respondent is warranted," the decision dated Sept. 9 said.

ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise expired last May 4. Its free TV and radio channels went off the air on May 5 following a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission.

The network’s bid for a fresh 25-year franchise was denied by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises despite the position of several government agencies that the company has been compliant in various tax, trading and labor laws, among others.

The Supreme Court en banc on Aug. 25 also voted to dismiss the plea of ABS-CBN Corp. to stop the closure order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in May. All provisional authorities, certificates of public convenience granted to

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Foreign reserves seen to surpass $100-B by end-2020: BSP chief

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he Philippines’ foreign reserves are seen to surpass USD100 billion by the end of the year, partly due to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) decision to actively manage its gold holdings.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank’s current gold holdings account for about 12.8 percent of the total gross international reserves (GIR).

The bulk of the GIR is in fixed income securities or bonds at 82 percent while the balance is shared by cash or the International Monetary Fund-related balances, such as the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) or the International Monetary Fund-created international reserve asset targeted to supplement the existing official reserves of member-countries.

“Given the significant

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ECONOMY 5

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PH eyes to offer healthy, natural products in China buying expo

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Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) president John Carlo Tria says the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) declaration of the city as the country’s“cacao capital”would add value to cacao agri-processing and generate more income for farmers. Edge Davao

Davao City business group hails ‘cacao capital’ title

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he Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) hailed Thursday the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) declaration of the city as the country’s “cacao capital.”

DCCCII president John Carlo Tria noted that after years of promoting the cacao industry, the city has now become Davao Region’s pride following the declaration of DA Secretary William Dar in a ceremony held here on Monday.

Tria said the recognition would add value to cacao agri-processing and generate more income for farmers.

“The Department of Agriculture is on the right track as this will help not only the cacao industry but our million coconut farmers that can effectively intercrop cacao in their field and supplement their incomes,” he said.

The city has been a consistent major producer of cacao beans in the region, producing a total of 2,289.74 metric tons from 2015 to 2019.

Tria also lauded the move of the Maritime Industry Authority to establish cold chain facilities in major ports and mandate a discount on agribusiness and food cargo among shipping companies.

“These moves are a great help for many of our agri-producers to help solve the perennial problem of high shipping costs,” he said. “We have always been concerned about this for decades. We hope that these deepen and continue.”

Meanwhile, Tria said agribusiness opportunities will form part of this year’s Davao Agri Trade Expo (DATE), which will

be conducted online for the first time.

The expo, he said, will feature a series of webinars along with a virtual trade fair that will allow buyers and suppliers to exchange information and trade freely.

Cherrylin Casuga, 2020 DATE chairperson, said: “The online DATE is our response to the need to support agribusinesses activities. We took the courageous effort to push this innovation in the agribusiness sector as we know many will benefit from agribusiness enterprise farmers to buyers looking for a wide array of products.” (PNA)

tem.

With the law’s passage in July, the country could now implement tougher measures to combat terrorism even before the end of observation period on the effectiveness of the country’s AML/CTF. The observation period was initially scheduled from October 2019 until October 2020, but it was extended until February 2021 because of the global pandemic.

According to the AMLC, among the ways to show the efficient implementation of the anti-terror law include having detailed timelines on identifying milestones on the convening of the Anti-Terrorism Council; the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR); and the information dissemination to various stakeholders such as the law enforcement agencies and covered persons, including banks, insurance companies, entities supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the

casinos.

Another way is the full and actual execution of Section 25, which discusses the designation of individuals, groups of persons, organizations, or association as terrorist based on the obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) No. 1373, the AMLC Secretariat said.

Also needed is the “corresponding directive to file suspicious transaction reports and eventual freezing of their assets, if any, located in the Philippines”, it said.

Being included in FATF’s gray list means a country has deficiencies on its financial system that makes it prone to risks on money laundering and terrorist financing.

The Philippines had been included in the gray list, and was even blacklisted, due to these deficiencies.

In 2000, the FATF blacklisted the Philippines based on its assessment that the country lacked the power

to thwart money laundering and to pin down individuals involved in terrorist financing.

However, with the enactment of Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 in September 2001, FATF elevated the Philippines to the gray list in June 2012.

The FATF then removed the Philippines from its watchlist in 2017 following the enactment of Republic Act 10927, which included casinos as among the covered institutions of the AMLC. The AMLC has also proposed some amendments on the AMLA and it said that “failure to pass these amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended, and demonstrated it effective implementation will have similar effects, that is, inclusion in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) gray list.”

“The AMLC has been

Anti-Terrorism Act to keep PH out of FATF’s gray list

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n effective implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), not just simply instituting it, would keep the Philippines off the gray list of Paris-based anti-money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

In a reply to e-mailed queries from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat said the country should “demonstrate effective implementation of the Anti-Terror Act before the observation period ends in February 2021.”

During the virtual briefing on “Understanding the Human Rights Perspective of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” last Sept. 3, AMLC executive director Mel Georgie Racela said 44 percent of all substantive sections in the ATA ensure human rights.

He said the law also addresses gaps in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) sys-

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he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking for Filipino exporters who can offer “healthy and natural” products in the country’s participation in this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE).

The CIIE is the first buying expo for the Chinese market from foreign enterprises. No Chinese manufacturers can participate in the CIIE. The DTI targets “40 Philippine food products and fresh produce exporters that offer ‘healthy and natural’ products” to participate in the 3rd CIIE from November 5 to 10.

The products of the Filipino exporters will be exhibited in the 108-square-meter Philippine pavilion at the Food and Agricultural Products Hall of the expo.

“There will be a designated area for display of the exhibitors’ products and an interactive area composed of pods: individual structures where buyers can meet online with the exhibitors in the Philippines,” said a DTI document.

It added that there would be online business-to-business meetings for the Philippine exhibitors and potential Chinese buyers before and during the CIIE.

The DTI said there would still be on-site representatives in the expo that would be led by officials of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in China.

“In view of the safety and health precautionary measures, no Philippine exhibitor representatives shall be present physically,” it said.

Interested exhibitors may contact Eva Marie Mariquina, project manager at the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), through emmariquina@ citem.com.ph.

Exhibitors will be provided with some subsidies for onward shipment (Manila to Shanghai) of their products, the department said.

Largest consumer market Filipino exporters have big opportunities in China since it is the world’s largest consumer market, with 400 million of its population belonging to the affluent, the DTI said.

China has a population of 1.4 billion and its middle-income population is the biggest in the world.

In last year’s CIIE, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would import more and continue to cut tariffs and institutional transaction costs. (PNA)

More gov’t agencies, LGUs to accept online payments

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ore government offices will now accept online payments for transactions, PayMaya said Thursday, as it partnered with several agencies to boost cashless and contactless transactions.

In a statement, the e-wallet operator said it added the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the City of Taguig, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), and the Optical Media Board (OMB) to its government partners on top of the existing 50.

Filipinos will be able to use the app to pay for taxes, remitting pension dues and applying for business registration, among others.

No timeline for the said activation has been disclosed.

The move will help Filipinos perform their “civic duty” at the comforts of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, PayMaya said.

Cashless transactions will also make government transactions more efficient and transparent, it said.

“By going digital and offering cashless payment options, the government

FMORE GOV’T, P10

DOF expects P2.71T tax collection in 2021 as economy reopens further

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez on Thursday said the government expects to collect some P2.71 trillion in taxes in 2021 as the Philippines continues to ease economic restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The figure is higher compared to the P2.51 trillion the government expected to collect this year, but about P400 billion lower than the P3.137 trillion tax collections in 2019, Dominguez said during budget deliberations in the Senate.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) "achieved pretty close to 95 percent" in collections,

the Finance chief said.

"Anybody who hits 95 percent of the target is not so bad... It could have been better but they have a passing grade," he said.

But Sen. Grace Poe noted that while the BIR and BOC nearly reached 100 percent of their target, the agencies still lose billions due to "technical smuggling."

The BIR failed to get P95.68 billion, while the BOC's uncollected taxes are pegged at P30.73 billion, she said.

"The remaining 5 percent is still yielding a staggering amount which could help us," she said.

Dominguez said the BOC has been trying to

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

In challenging all those who defend the policy which bans the export of mature coconuts: To make everything clear to the coconut farmers that we cannot help them now, let us stage a public debate...An outdated Marcos era policy, Executive Order (EO) 1016, series of 1985, mandated the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee that will annually update the list of prohibited products for export. For coconuts, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) board assumes this role.”

Emmanuel Piñol

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Correspondent Consultant Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA JASPER V. BACSAL OLIVIA D. VELASCO General ManagerPresident Advertising Specialist General Manager/Finance VP-Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

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VANTAGE POINTS

LIVING

FRED C. LUMBA

EARNING, LEARNING, STREAMING, AND NEW EXPERIENCES AT HOME SPECKS OF LIFE

ARE THERE ANYMORE GOOD MEN LEFT

In a huge population of more than 100 million, would it be exasperatingly hard to find someone to fit the bill?

Or is it more like searching in a haystack?

The huge financial mess As COVID-19 discovered – andpandemic exposed by a continues to -disrupt our whistle-blower in the Philhealth corruption scandal indicts way of living, plenty of the cultural impunity that has been Filipinos have adjusted to in existence and in practice for working, studying, and many decades, nursed in fact by earning fromindifference home. Thisof a the benumbed means families need powtimid and tolerant society.

Philhealth issue not erfulThe connectivity thatiswill the tipthem of the from iceberg,work mindto you. take Many more earth-shaking play.

TheinGlobe at Home exposes’ yesteryears and relifestyle enables cent past have comeonline and gone but experiences by the authors ofbacked the evil up schemes not and beenreliable convicted ahave strong con-and jailed. It appears that they are nection. able to squeeze themselves out of at Home is offering a the“Globe discomfiting situation by setotal ecosystem designed curingdigital the services of “talented” to providewho our customers with lawyers smartly navigate the waters with a variety of the legal opportunity to recreate “swimming” methods and styles. their world right at home.

As Yes, it can no longer be deeveryone follows community nied that our justice and penal

quarantine measures, we want to empower our customers to see and experience their homes as a place for growth and opportunities. We want to enable them to pursue their dreams and passions with confidence,” says Darius Delgado, Vice President and Head of Broadband Business at Globe.

Globe at Home offers a complete set of experiences for every type of household.

With its affordable plans, latest innovations, and easy access to online content, the world is now political scene is perright“The at home.

haps the most public arena where people have expressed A plan for every familywho lead their distrust in those Families can from a them.

These arechoose not easy times in whichoftonew be aand leader.”

-- Henry variety innovative and Blackaby, authors plansRichard from Globe at Home: of Spiritual Leadership *** High-speed plans with freethat And it came to pass devices God saw the sufferings of His people in Egypt.

He plans had heard Families can avail them crying out because of the that fit their lifestyle and home miseries they were experiencconnectivity needs. UNLI ing. He wanted to rescue them from their bondage. So, He called a man named Moses to bring God’s chosen people out of Egypt.

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt,” Moses asked.

Moses was terrified to become leader.

Inittheir book, TWO the YEARS after became Spiritual Leadership, authors a mid-morning TV habit, the Henry and rom-com Richard series Blackaby hit musical wrote: “Leadership. Everyone My Guitar Princess experiences it, or theachieved lack of it, in another milestone as it called recently their daily lives. Those to lead can find doing so a daunting reached 100,000 subscribers on task. Those to follow online video expected platform Youcan experience frustration when Tube. their leader is unable to lead.”

Top-billed Asia’s Pop defiThere areby 850 different Sweetheart Julie Anne That San Jose, nitions of leadership. was what Warren Bennis and Burt My Guitar Princess first aired Nanus foundinwhen on television 2018. they It tellswere writing their collaborative book, the story of Celina (Julie Anne) Leaders: Strategies for Taking and her dream becoming Charge.

It is noof wonder whyatosuccessful singing day’s leaders havesensation. a hard time measuring upAnne theirin level.

There Joining Julie the GMA are too many standards to meet!

Public Affairs-produced series Dr. John C. Maxwell, an auwere Sheryl Cruz, Gil Cuerva,

system is pockmarked with loopholes, if you know what I am pointing at.

Rumors that we have thugs and crooks in robes in the judiciary are no longer rumors. Many criminal cases involving scions of rich, prominent and politically-connected families are able to buy their way out of a sure conviction because there is a crooked system existing.

One sickening horrific fact is that while we have an extradition treaty with the USA, Filipinos who are facing court suits conveniently escape by taking the first plane out to Uncle Sam’s territory where they enjoy the “fruits” of their labor.

Criminal minds and plunderers are ironically encouraged to push through their sinister plots to engage in pilferage and thievery because they are not scared Plan with speeds of up of the1899 penal laws existing in the to 30 Mbps comes with a free country.

The death penalty is being Android TV Box, an entertainre-introduced only because ment device to stream moviesthe increasing surge of criminality is and TV series fromfelt your fa-expenow – again – being and

rienced.

Ordinarily, however, the spate of corruption controversies no longer surprise and shake the Pinoy nation.

They have gotten used to these wrong-doings because they have become integral parts of their contemporary life.

But with the grave anti-social effects of Covid 19, Filipinos are now realizing (and recognizing, I hope) that they need to collectively voice out their rightful indignation because these corruption scandals have got to stop as the wrong-doings are negatively affecting the government and the people in a monstrous manner.

Unfortunately, Philhealth appointees have been – one after the other - exiting disgracefully, hounded by issues about negligent and lax management, dereliction of duty, incompetence and P999 other per month, customers can such concerns, even borexperience instant WiFi, instant dering on inutility.

Everybody agreed that big data of up tois140GB, and the matter is systemic. instant entertainment right at From top to bottom, the home.

Itofcomes with an all-inculture corruption has ebbed

vorite streaming apps for a full one modem that’s easy to set up entertainment experience at and can turn regular television home. into a smart TV, allowing famiMeanwhile, families with lies to watch YouTube videos bigger data requirements can and much awaited series from upgrade to Plan 2899 with their favorites content apps on a speeds up to 100mbps, and bigger screen. a free pair of TP-Link Deco Customers in serviceable M5 WiFi mesh. These devices areas can avail of these new THINKtoON THESE! expand WiFi signal coverage exciting promo plans until more areas of your home, and September 30, 2020. are most practical for those who have turned their home into Affordable and reloadable an office and learning space for WiFi kids. The plan also comes with Prepaid customers can avail exclusive access to the Tech of the Home Prepaid WiFi thority on leadership, has writ- for only Commitment: “Peopleto do Squad VIP service, a customer P999 and register ten a very comprehensive book not follow uncommitted service team that provides end- HomeSURF 199. They can leadentitled, The 21 Indispensable ers. Commitment can be disto-end support WiFi conenjoy 15GB of data allocation Qualities of a for Leader.

In his played in a full range of matters nectivity needs.he posed these to andinclude an additional 1GBhours of data introduction, the work you questions: “What makes people choose to YouTube, maintain,Google, how you per day for want to follow a leader?

Why do work to improve yourLazada, abilities, Instant WiFi with Instant Big Facebook Messenger, people reluctantly comply with or what you do for your Data and Entertainment Shopee, GCash, and morefellow for one leader while passionately workers at personal sacrifice.”

Globe atanother Home’stonew seven days. Gregg, chairman of following thepostends of -Stephen paidearth? line-upWhat begins with lead- Ethix Watch and Learn in the comthe separates Corporation ership from Communication: “You can Xtremetheorists WiFi Plan 999,successful the fort of your home leaders who lead effectively in have brilliant ideas, but if you network’s most affordable Learning is now easier with the real world?” can’t get them across, your ideas postpaid plan. For as low as educational platforms like ABC

HENRYLITO D. TACIO

down to its lowest level that nothing – it seems – can solve or even minimize it to a tolerable level.

Perhaps, PRRD should ask for a volunteer.

Instead of scouting for talented managers and executives that will man and head government offices, the President could ask the nation if there is anyone willing to volunteer and serve the country in a position that has no political backing or support.

In this way, the volunteer-appointee will not suffer from political pressures if he had been otherwise backed or recommended by a powerful politician.

I believe there are still many capable Filipinos out there willing to take up the challenge.

These are the guys who silently do their jobs and accomplish their tasks with noble objectivity and diligence.

Mouse, Shaw Academy, DepEd Enough of bureaucrats.

Commons, Blackboard, Enough of the ‘padrino’ and connection. of the traditional more.Enough Everyone at old home can “you me”and brotherhood. learnand online gain new skills I would strongly espouse this through content available via volunteer-ism concept.

YouTube, and Google Search and Suite.

By day end, the family can get together and enjoy their own cinema at home. Globe at Home plans come with access to iWant and Amazon Prime Video, so they can stay updated with the latest movies and TV shows.

Family Essentials at home Using the GCash app, customers can ensure the safety of their families by doing important errands such as paying ever honored for what he rethe bills and payment transfers ceived.

Honor has been the without the need to go out- reward for what he gave.” -- Calvin side. Globe at Homepresident will also Coolidge, American be partnering telehealth Initiative: with “Success seems to be connected with action. medicine app KonsultaMD, Successful people keeptomoving. which enables families They make mistakes, butget they consult with a doctor and a don’t quit.” -- Conrad Hilton, homedical assessment at home. tel executive

We have tried everything possible under the sun but our government remains in bondage to corruption, thievery and illegalities.

A volunteer-appointee I think will do better under the vouchers and use it to redeem circumstance because he is not exciting rewards from indebted to anyone but atowide the appointing alone. range of authority partners via the Globe Therefore, he willinclude have much at Home app. These leeway to hire and fire, whenevspecial discounts, exclusive the er necessary and implement treats, and for effective negochanges hesurprises sees to be syo and productivity at home, and efficient.

At least, PRRD need learning, entertainment, andnot search in a haystack. family essentials.

Napoleon Hill, author of the much-acclaimed Think and Grow Experience digital customer Rich, said: “No man ever achieved service worthwhile success who did not, at one time or other, himself While safety is thefind priority, with at least one foot hanging convenience is also something well over the brink of failure.” that Challenges Globe at Home would will not stoplike darto offer their ing us into the face.subscribers by complementing It is up to useverything if we cower in fear take theafter-sales dare. (Email your withor a digital service. feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.

Now, you can get support and com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPavail of other services like bills PINES.

payment, troubleshooting, plan upgrades, and volume boost to get more data via the Globe at Home app. You can also resolve issues without calling a hotline or visiting a Globe Store by sending a message to the Globe at Home Facebook chatbot.

Through Globe at Home, customers also get access to opportunities for them to upskill and earn from their passions.

First-time entrepreneurs can seek guidance from the World at Home online portal at https://glbe.co/WorldAtHome himself.”

-- Louis Nizerhow to where they can learn Security: “No man will make earn, know more ways to upa great leader who wants to do skill discover talents, it all and himself or getnew all the credit how youCarnegie, can recforLearn doingmore it.” -- Andrew industrialist reate your world right at home man withwithSelf-discipline:“A Globe At Home plans and out decision of character services via the official onlinecan never be said to belong to himshop atHehttp://globe.com.ph/ self… longs to whatever can broadband or the make captive of Globe him.” at -- John Foster, author messenger.

Home Facebook “The You Servanthood: may also visit any Globetrue leader serves.

Serves people.

Store nationwide.

WHAT MAKES A TRUE LEADER?

Maxwell enumerated the 21 qualities -- in alphabetical order -- as follows: character, charisma, commitment, communication, competence, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, listening, passion, positive attitude, problem solving, relationships, security, self-discipline, servanthood, and Kiko Estrada. teachability and vision.

During its two-month run, Now, Princess here won are the some My Guitar thoughts from various leaders hearts of both from viewers and the and thinkers around netizens. It became a tripleworld: Character: trending topic on“Leadership Twitter whenis the capacity and will to rally men it premiered, with netizens and women to a common purraving about its story, cast, and pose and the character which original music. inspires confidence.” -- Bernard The official British YouTube channel Montgomery, Field Marshal of My Guitar Princess features “How someCharisma: of the show’s kiligcan epi-you have charisma?

Be more consodes, songs, exclusive videos, cerned about making others behind the scenes, and songthan feel good about themselves covers, you areamong makingothers. them Some feel good about you.” --that Dan Reiland, of the songs viewers fellvice president of leadership developin love with included the hit ment “Walang Kapalit”, the LSS-wor-

ENTERTAINMENT

won’t get you anywhere.” -- Lee Iacocca, American automobile executive Competence: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither plumbing thy ear candy “Is good it Love?”, and nor good philosophy.

Neither the solemn piece “Maghintay”.its piped northe itsshow’s theories will hold Through YouTube water.” -- John Gardner, Americhannel, netizens get to relive can novelist the kilig of My“Courage Guitar Princess Courage: is rightly thethese firstoriginal of human andesteemed sing along qualities… because it is the qualsongs. ityWith which guarantees all othits 100,000 subscribers, ers.”-- Winston Churchill, British the channel is eligible to get a Prime Minister Silver Play Button award Discernment: “Thefrom first rule of holes: When you’re YouTube.

To date, the My Gui-in one, stop digging.”

-- Molly Ivins, tar Princess channel has over American columnist 22 million views.

Focus: “What people say, Likepeople and subscribe to Mythey what do, and what Guitar officialdifferent Yousay theyPrincess’ do are entirely things.”

-- Margaret Mead, anTube channel https://www. thropologist youtube.com/c/MyGuitarPrinGenerosity: “No person was cess/videos.

Listening: “The ear of the leader must ringand withtreats the voices Enjoy surprises of Globe the people.”

-Woodrow Wilat Home prepaid and son, American president postpaid customers can earn Passion: “Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.”

-- Henri Frederic Amie, Swiss moral philosopher Positive Attitude: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.” -- William James, psychologist Problem Solving: “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.”

-- John Foster Dulles, US Secretary of State Relationships: “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” -- Theodore Roosevelt, American president Responsibility: “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at

Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.” -- Eugene B. Habecker, author Teachability: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” -- John Wooden, Basketball coach Vision: “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.”

-- John Scully, Chief Executive Officer To end this piece, here is a final statement from Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu: “To lead people, walk beside them ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence.

The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ... When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’”

‘MY GUITAR PRINCESS’ YOUTUBE CHANNEL HITS 100K-SUBSCRIBER MARK

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SUBURBIA RISING

Tagum City launches CSC month celebration, Handurawan Festival

T

wo of this month’s celebrations namely the CSC Month Celebration and the Handurawan Festival were officially launched last September 7, 2020 during the monthly Monday Convocation Program of the City Government of Tagum.

Despite the restrictions on public gatherings and on holding of events due to the threats brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Government of Tagum innovates its means in celebrating the trademark festivals slated for the month of September – this time using the online platform in most of their features.

This month, the Local Government Unit of Tagum joins the whole nation in celebrating the 120th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and a monthlong run of activities and events relevant to public service are set for the dedicated employees of the local government such as a series of virtual conferences, online recognition of retirees and awardees, among others.

Also, in recognition of the city’s beloved Lolos and Lolas,

the LGU Tagum commenced the Handurawan Festival which aims to celebrate the lives of the senior citizens in Tagum and give honor to their contributions in the society.

Spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, among the activities set for the Handurawan Festival are the giving of social pension for the senior citizens which will be distributed per barangay on September 21 to 24, as well as the Bisita Amuma: Kaagapay Pang Medikal which is a medical service for identified senior citizens by the Tagum City Social Services and Gender and Development Unit on September 24 to 25.

Tagum being a Home of Festivals continues to live up to this moniker by finding ways to carry on its notable festivities without putting at risk the lives of its constituents, thereby bringing joy and hope to every Tagumenyo within the comforts of their homes, and realizing that this health crisis is not a hindrance to the services they deserve. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

Mayor Allan L. Rellon officially launches the CSC Month Celebration and the Handurawan Festival during the monthly Monday Convocation Program of the City Government of Tagum on September 7, 2020. Gleiza Delgado/CIO Tagum

LGU Tagum is now ISO-certified

T

he City Government of Tagum once again showed its competency in public service when TUV SUD Asia Pacific TUV SUD Group, the external auditor for the International Organization for Standardization or ISO 9001:2015 finally gave its certification, proving the LGU’s efforts in good governance.

The LGU Tagum was declared ISO certified last September 7, 2020 when Mayor Allan L. Rellon finally received a copy of the certification from the external auditors during the Monday Convocation of the city government.

The department heads and the rest of the technical working group are given due recognition for their contribution in writing the Quality It can be recalled that the Policy guidelines for the LGU’s whole operation during the Monday Convocation. Gleiza Delgado/CIO Tagum LGU started its preparation for

the ISO 9001:2015 last 2017, where four consultants presented possible ISO coverage to Mayor Rellon. Thereafter, various seminars were conducted for the city employees before the submission of the final copy of the Quality Policy guidelines.

Towards the end of year 2019, TUV SUD audited selected offices of the LGU in two stages led by Mr. Xavier Lance Dy and Ms. Erna Jessa Mundoc, respectively. Finally, this year, the City Government of Tagum received its certification that is valid starting from February 13, 2020.

The city will have to re-apply again for the certification FLGU, P10 after

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Climate change jeopardizes food production

AGRITRENDS

9

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

ilipino farmers are most likely to be affected by the consequences of climate change as their crop production will decrease due to continuous rainfall, flooding and drought. As a result, more and more people will go to bed at night still hungry.

“Food insecurity is exacerbated by an increasing population, further stretching the carrying capacities of the already dwindling natural resources base and made worse by changing climatic conditions that negatively impact on agriculture,” pointed out Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., the director of Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

With more than 100 million Filipinos, the Phil-

ippines is ranked 13th among the most population countries in the world – just below Ethiopia and above Vietnam.

In 2014, the Climate Change Commission listed the Philippines as among the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A World Bank report, “Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines,” seemed to agree.

“Because of unpredictable climate patterns and extreme weather events,

the country’s agricultural productivity is projected to continue to decline,” said the report, citing examples of unpredictable climate patterns as high temperature and periodic rains and drizzles.

Projections from meteorologists showed that from 2020 to 2050, wet seasons will be wetter and the dry seasons will be drier. Eighteen to 20 typhoons are expected every year with flooding projected in different parts of the country. “(Filipino) farmers are highly affected by these vulnerabilities for they are the ones most expected to weather extremes,” said a research note presented

by Dr. Majah Leah V. Ravago at the Second International Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development in Southeast Asia.

“One implication of these change is that farmers’ experience on the frequency, duration, strength, severity and timing of rainfall and the frequency of droughts will be less reliable; hence, the accuracy of their subjective decision-making processes will decline, causing their level of risk to rise,” explained Dr. Ravago, assistant professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics.

The Philippines will experience stronger typhoons, which would inundate coastal and low-lying areas. In Laguna, for instance, Tropical Storm Ondoy left P200-million worth of damage in agriculture as rice fields and vegetable crops were submerged in floodwaters.

Three more typhoons hit the same province in 2009, affecting an en-

tire rice cropping season.

“Some farmers tried to save their rice crop by harvesting them before the typhoon came, but even their harvest was washed out by floodwaters,” wrote Maria Emilinda T. Mendoza, author of “Faces of Vulnerability: Gender, Climate Change, and Disaster.”

“Livestock were also affected,” Mendoza further wrote. “There were incidences of pigs and ducks being washed out, while those that survived suffered from diseases.

Consequently, some duck raisers in the municipality of Victoria closed their businesses.”

Even without typhoons, constant rains and subsequent flooding have resulted in siltation of water bodies in the province, including Laguna Lake.

“Some coastal barangays experience long-term in-

undation, with the water from the lake already covering some of their original residential and agricultural areas,” Mendoza reported.

Agriculture scientist Julian Gonsalves of the Cavite-based International Institute Rural Reconstruction urged to do something now before it is too late. “Agriculture sector is expected to suffer the most serious impact of climate change, affecting food security, nutrition and livelihoods, if we don’t act soon,” he pointed out.

Agriculture and climate change go hand in hand.

“The role of agriculture in climate change is better appreciated in relation to the value agriculture contributes to the global economy,” said a briefing paper published by SEARCA. The 2010 World Devel-

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The mayor recognized the assistance extended by the partners in the private sector and friends from different foreign governments and most importantly to the medical and non- medical frontliners, who are being considered the Covid-19 heroes who put their lives on the line to serve others.

“The business commu-

nity not only the Davaobased but also those from Metro Manila supported our response to Covid-19 from the start and we thank the people of Davao City, around 1.6 million of them who listened and followed orders, policies and health protocols. Our efforts were effective because you listen and you willingly sacrificed some of

your comforts. Right now we can only hope that all these will continue to work for all of us until we find the cure,” she said.

In closing, the mayor called out on her fellow women leaders to be always relentless despite the challenges that come in their way.

“In the face of adversities, in the face of great

pressure, in the face of fear and uncertainty, let us pause and examine ourselves, try to look for the value we have collected along the way, and as we relentlessly move forward, let us share to the world these values that made us who we are today, the same values that brought us where we are now,” she said.

movement of gold prices over the past two years, 27.44 percent increase in 2019, and another 18.31 percent increase year-todate this year, the expected increase in domestic gold purchases because of Republic Act (RA) 11256, the BSP expects that gold will continue to support the country’s GIR,” Diokno said.

As of end-July, the country’s foreign reserves were at a record-high of USD98 billion.

RA 11256, which

amended Sections 32 and 151 of the National Internal Revenue Code, exempts small miners from paying income and excise taxes on the gold they would sell to the BSP. It was signed into law in May 2019 but its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were approved only last April 10 and took effect 15 days after.

Diokno said there has been a “significant improvement” in the volume of BSP’s gold purchases af-

ter the IRR took effect.

“And this (is) part of the reason why in July this year, the Monetary Board approved the active management of BSP gold reserves,” he said.

Diokno, however, clarified that although the current level of BSP’s gold holdings is “sizeable in absolute levels”, it is still a small portion of the foreign reserves on a relative basis.

He noted that based on the BSP’s studies, the current level of BSP’s gold

holdings is higher than its optimum level.

Diokno said he considers the 10 percent ratio of gold holdings, relative to the country’s foreign reserves that he mentioned before, as “a guide rather than as an explicit target since we cannot control the price of gold, or rather assets, into the GIR.” “Going forward, the BSP may have to increase its gold holdings depending on the demand and conditions,” he added. (PNA)

three years.

In an interview, Mayor Rellon expressed his joy, stating that the city did not exactly expect to have the certification but rather to learn from the whole process of the application that could improve the quality of service given by the LGU to its day-to-day clients.

“Nalipay ta. That hap-

piness [and] fulfilment naay common denominator ana; the challenge, the inspiration, the motivation, [and] the push of really…isustain nato ang atong maayong gihimo [ug] maayong sistema.”, said the Local Chief Executive.

“It makes us happy.

That happiness [and] fulfilment have common de-

nominator; the challenge, the inspiration, the motivation, [and] the push of really…let us sustain the right thing that we’re doing [and] our quality system.”

He also added that the people can expect more from the LGU in terms of innovation and services that would really serve those at the grassroots.

Meanwhile, the certificate was also received by Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo, members of the 8th city council, the department heads, and the technical working group of the LGU to give them due recognition for their contribution to the whole process of the ISO application. Ziyarah Manalo/CIO Tagum

opment Report, drawing on analysis from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, calculates that agriculture directly accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions in carbon dioxide equivalent and indirectly accounts for another 17% of emissions from land use and conversion for crops and pasture.

“As agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change, maintaining the right balance is critical to a stable and productive agricultural activity, which is the foundation for food security and by extension the alleviation of poverty,” the briefing

paper stated.

In time, climate-smart agriculture came into existence as a response to the problems brought about by climate change.

“Climate-smart agriculture addresses the wider issues faced by agriculture in the face of global environmental change – the need to increase global food production by 60% by 2050 and to meet greenhouse gas emission reductions,” the briefing paper said.

Climate-smart agriculture is anchored on three pillars in the context of local stakeholders and focusing on sustainably increasing farm productivity

and income, strengthening resilience to climate change and variability, and mitigating the contribution of agricultural practices to climate change.

Another SEARCA briefing paper compares climate-smart agriculture to sustainable agriculture and conservation agriculture practices “but puts additional stress on low-carbon agriculture and the use of plants that can reduce vulnerability to climate change.”

According to SEARCA, the unique role of agriculture in development – the primary food source, significant potential for greenhouse gas mitigation

and its sensitivity to climate change – entails that innovations in technology and practice be enabled and diffused locally and appropriately to respond to climate change.

“Innovative technologies and practices may come from reinventing indigenous knowledge to suit the times or using new widespread and accepted media,” it pointed out.

“The possibilities of potentially relevant agricultural technologies is extensive and there is a vast pool of yet undiscovered technologies and practices that may be crucially important for agriculture in a globally changing environment.”

finals of the US Open, the resurgent Belarusian halted the American’s quest for a record 24th Grand Slam singles title, winning for just the fifth time in 23 career head-to-heads in dramatic fashion, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Williams was also seeking an Open era-best seventh title in New York, which would have snapped a deadlock with Chris Evert.

Azarenka moves on to face No. 4 seed Naomi Osaka in the title match on Saturday in Flushing Meadows.

In a battle of booming serves, fast-flying forehands and barely perceptible windows of opportunity, the No.4 seed Osaka stood a smidge taller than Brady in a crisply played opening set that featured

no breaks of serve. The 2018 US Open champion eventually came through a lopsided tiebreaker to take a one set to love lead.

Brady, seeded No. 28 and playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, made Osaka walk the tightrope all evening. She even had the only break opportunity of the opening set, at 3-3— but in a moment she’ll likely regret, the 25-year-old American failed to put her return of an Osaka second serve in play.

In the second set, Brady’s hard work paid off with Osaka serving at 3-4, 30-40, as she won a thrilling rally to break for 5-3.

In the next game, Brady quickly went up 40-0 and converted her second set point as an Osaka forehand

sprayed well wide.

Fittingly, it came down to a decider between two players who had just concluded two of the most hotly contested sets of the tournament. It would be Osaka who rose to the occasion down the stretch as she took advantage of the tiniest lull from Brady to break for 3-1. Osaka never wavered during a final set that saw her win 14 of 17 first-serve points and never face a break point.

“Honestly I don’t know, I just felt like I was sticking it out, it felt like we were trading serves,” Osaka said of the tense finish.

Osaka’s grace under pressure in the third set is another sign of her clutch capabilities. After her level dipped in the second set,

her confidence could have easily abandoned her in such a tight situation with Brady breathing down her neck. All she did was reset her emotional energy, batten down the hatches of her first-strike game and ramble past Brady for yet another monumental win.

“I just felt like I wanted to come out of quarantine being positive and not really caring if I win or lose, but just knowing I put in 100 percent effort,” Osaka said.

Osaka finished with 35 winners against just 17 unforced errors in the two hour and seven minute contest. She struck nine aces and won 43 of 51 firstserve points.

“I’m just happy to be here at this point,” she said.

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pending at legislative level.

Duterte has urged his Cabinet to employ “drastic” measures to shorten the process of securing permits for building telecommunication towers following difficulties experienced by telecommunication companies in securing permits to

build towers or cell sites.

In his fifth and penultimate State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 27, Duterte called on Globe and Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., to improve their services by December.

(PNA)

Rep. Duterte's office earlier mentioned that the distribution of food packs focused on the “poorest of the poor” from all 54 barangays in the first district.

The district office has

been giving food packs to those in need, especially its constituents, since the quarantine. Even other local governments in Davao also received assistance from Duterte’s office.

of bombings in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Uy said troops recovered from the slain suspects a backpack containing four improvised explosive devices, five improvised blast-

ing caps, one improvised grenade, one remote control, six motorcycle alarms, one battery connector, two light testers, and one complete circuit soldering lid.

(Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews)

to keep them interested in pursuing business expansion in the city despite the coronavirus pandemic.

She said many Chinese businessmen have expressed interest to invest in

the city as a result of several business missions to China last year.

The city is primed as a priority investment area in the country. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

ABS-CBN were also "revoked/cancelled," the NTC said.

Fitch Solutions earlier called the shutdown “highly politicized.”

Since the shutdown, thousands of employees have been retrenched and departments wiped out including its regional operations.

is helping address our two most pressing issues today: ensuring the safety of all citizens and helping in the recovery of the economy,” PayMaya founder and CEO Orlando Vea. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Social Security System (SSS), the Pag-IBIG Fund, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Depart-

ment of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), City of Valenzuela, Ormoc City, and Parañaque City, are among those who are already using the system, PayMaya said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is also pushing for a “cash-light” economy.

very clear on this, during the Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries hearings chaired by Cong. Junie E. Cua. Thus, the AMLC remains optimistic that our competent authorities will deliver for the country and give the AMLC an opportunity to implement and to demon-

strate positive and tangible progress,” it added.

The ATA was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, 2020, giving the country more teeth to curb terror threats and acts.

Government lawyers are still drafting the law’s IRR which is expected to be out in a few months. (PNA)

"modernize and digitize operations" to minimize human intervention and the possibility of corruption in the agency.

The shift to a more modern collection scheme was slowed down by lawsuits from losing bidders,

he said.

The Finance department is also pushing for the "swift" passage of the 2021 budget and 3 other bills that will help the government revive the Philippine economy stunted by the COVID-19 crisis.

he knows Concepcion personally since the latter played for Mapua’s juniors counterpart Malayan High School for Science.

Cordero starred for UST, then going by the moniker Glowing Goldies, during the late ‘70s.

He once scored 54 points for UST in a 1979 UAAP game, a league record that stands until today, although former University of the East star Alvin Pasaol came close to eclipsing it with a 49-point blast in 2017. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

11

Lebron James and Laker backups like Alex Caruso willed a crucial Game 4 win over the Rockets.

LA-LA battle in the P West shaping up

Osaka in US Open semis, Serena gets booted out

A

fter watching their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, put on a defensive masterclass against the Denver Nuggets to take a 3-1 series lead on Thursday (PH Time), LeBron James and his Lakers decided to turn it on against the Houston Rockets.

And they did through nearly four quarters, before letting the Rockets back into a game that ended far closer than it ever really was. In a contest — like the Clippers the day before — that they led from start to finish, the Lakers survived a late scare to earn a 110-100 win.

Anthony Davis topscored for the Lakers with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while James added 16 points, 15 boards, and nine assists as the Lakers moved into a 3-1 lead in a series

that looks all-but-over. Alex Caruso, who came up with a massive three-pointer late and a clutch steal, had 16 points off the bench.

James Harden was ice cold from the field, shooting 2-for-11 for his 21 points, as Houston struggled to get their offence going.

Russell Westbrook had a team-high 25 points for the Rockets, while Eric Gordon added 19.

The small-ball Rockets trailed by as many as 23 points in the final quarter, and pulled it back to

5 points with a little under one minute to go, but couldn’t pull off what would have been a genuinely stunning comeback.

“We had too many turnovers,” Davis said of the late scare. “I had two. We gave them easy looks, they made threes ... we’ve got to be better closing out games.”

On the whole, though, Davis was happy with what he saw from his team: “We did a good job defending the three and taking them out of their rhythm. We made it tough for James, we made it tough for Russ, made it tough for EG (Eric Gordon).

“We’ve got to be better towards the end of the game, but for the most part, you know, for 45 minutes of the game, we executed our game plan.”

The Rockets were no match for the Lakers’ inten-

sity and skill as Los Angeles outscored them 62-24 in the paint and 19-2 in fast break points.

Los Angeles dominated in almost every aspect of offence and defence and look poised to advance to the NBA final four if they can close out.

“Elimination games are always the toughest. We got to come out with a killer mindset,” said Davis.

The Lakers capped their win in style as James had a Showtime dunk and guard Caruso nailed a three-point dagger on their final two possessions of the contest.

Rajon Rondo and James combined on the dunk with Rondo driving to the basket, and then throwing the ball off the backboard to a soaring James for the rim-rattling slam.

Game 5 will be played on Sunday, September 13.

ganization in Philippine Sports.

He has just joined a growing list of former Tigers who are eyeing the coaching post vacated by Aldin Ayo, among them Siot Tanquingcen, Chris Cantonjos, Estong Ballesteros, and Gilbert Lao. Ayo resigned as UST’s head coach on Friday night.

The UAAP, however, did not spare Ayo from sanctions despite his resignation as the league

slapped him with an indefinite ban.

If he gets accepted as head coach, Cordero plans to quickly convene the players who have decided to stay put.

“Kung sino ang natira, kailangang makausap sa lalong madaling panahon (I need to talk to those who remain as soon as possible),” he said. “We have to tell them na ganito ang plano (that this is the plan).”

Amid the investigation

of a training bubble that Ayo allegedly put up in his hometown of Capuy, Sorsogon, four of the Growling Tigers’ key players – CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, Ira Bataller, and Brent Paraiso – left UST and transferred to other colleges, leaving only Chabi Chabi Yo and Sherwin Concepcion to lead the squad for UAAP Season 83.

Good thing for Cordero, who was once an assistant coach for Mapua,

laying full-tilt tennis at the peak of their powers, Naomi Osaka and Jennifer Brady fought tooth-and-nail through three tense sets, trading booming serves and power strokes in Arthur Ashe Stadium, before Osaka finally pulled away to secure a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 triumph to book a spot in her third Grand Slam final.

Osaka, who has now won three three-setters at the 2020 US Open, earns a spot in the title match for

the second time in three years in New York.

“It means a lot for me,” said Osaka. “I kind of consider New York my second home. I really love the atmosphere, even though sadly there’s no people here, I really feel this court really suits me well.”

Victoria Azarenka continues to make the most of what is, in essence, her second career. Facing longtime rival Serena Williams on Thursday night in the semi-

FOSAKA, P10

Naomi Osaka’s victory solidifies her status as the player to beat in New York, and reinforces the belief that her previously injured left hamstring will not be a limiting factor as she prepares to play Saturday’s final, against Victoria Azarenka.

Cordero joins aspirants to UST coaching job

F

ormer University of Santo Tomas (UST) basketball star Ed Cordero confirmed on Thursday that he applied as head coach of the Growling Tigers for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.

“I just sent an email yesterday to Fr. (Ermito) de Sagon signifying my intention,” Cordero said in the online Usapang Sports forum by the Tabloid Or-

FCORDERO, P10

Victoria Azarenka in action against Serena Williams during a women’s singles match at the 2020 US Open. (Photo by Simon Bruty/USTA)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 132 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

A maintenance man mows the fairways of Rancho Palos Verdes.

NO TOURNAMENTS

Rancho Palos Verdes GM sees no golf tournaments until Q3 of 2021

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

T

here will be no golf tournaments in Davao City this year.

Davao City golfers will have to contend with friendly rounds of golf for now as competitive tournaments will have to wait until around the third quarter of next year.

Tommy Iñigo, general manager of Rancho Palos Verdes, told Edge Davao in an online interview that the club does not expect any tournaments allowed anytime soon.

This came in the aftermath of the reported tournament played in the Alabang Golf and Country Club in Metro Manila.

“No tournaments at the moment.... We follow the guidelines set

by IATF/NGAP and the guidelines set by the city government,” Iñigo said.

Members and guests are allowed to play from Tuesday to Sunday at the popular Cabantian hillside layout.

All three golf clubs in the city do not see any tournaments coming within the year.

“Hopefully by the third quarter of 2021,” Iñigo said.

Among the major local tournaments that would have been held at this time of the year until December were the Phoenix Open at the RPV, Eaglemasters Tournament (held in all three golf courses--RPV, Apo and South Pacific) and Durian Tee at the Apo Golf and Country Club.

Despite the absence of tournaments, Iñigo said they have an average load of 60 golfers a day. Before

the pandemic, the average number of golfers playing in RPV daily is 100.

Iñigo also said that the current numbers include senior players.

Meantime, signatory agencies of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and the Department of Health (DOH) of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on Sports have requested the Alabang Golf and Country Club to submit a report on the alleged golf tournament held in their premises a few weeks ago.

The group met Monday and discussed possible violations against the JAO and IATF-issued guidelines with National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) Secretary General Bones Floro and Muntinlupa City Deputy Administrator Atty.

Genesi Santiago.

Ramirez explained that the group will reconvene after Alabang Golf and Country Club submits their letter of explanation and craft its own report for the information and action of the IATF. “We have both the JAO and the Omnibus Guidelines of the IATF to consider so we report to the IATF once we get their side,” explained Ramirez.